Model Page
Ford Escort XR3i
Production Run: |
- |
|---|---|
Production Date: |
1982 - 1990 |
Engine: |
Ford 1,597cc CVH 4 Cylinder Engine |
Built: |
Saarlouis (Germany) Halewood (UK) |
0-60: |
9.0 secs |
Max Speed: |
118 Mph |
The XR3i followed on from the successful carburettor fed XR3, released in January 1983 the car was based on the XR3 and enjoyed a long and successful production run and was the forerunner to the homologation specials such as the RS1600i and RS Turbo.
XR3i
The XR3 had been incredibly successful within the hot hatch market, but some criticisms had been levelled at the implementation with the model having a harsh ride and less than ideal handling. In an attempt to address these issues Ford began development of a new vehicle, it had become evident that in order for Ford to compete successfully in the hot hatch market a faster, more efficient car would need to be released. The XR3i project began in October of 1981 and the project was undertaken by a team led by Ron Mansfield of Ford's Special Vehicle Engineering department and in little over a year the car was ready for production with the vehicle debuting in Autumn of 1982.
Similar to the XR3 the car was based upon the Mk3 Escort using the front engine, forward wheel drive layout that was new to the Escort range. The XR3i used the same 1,596cc CVH (Compound Value Angle, Hemispherical Chamber) engine that was produced at the Bridgend factory in South Wales. The 1.6 litre unit had a bore of 79.96mm and stroke of 79.52mm and used a compression ratio of 9.5:1. The in-line four cylinder engine featured a cast iron block and Aluminium alloy cylinder head with hydraulically operated tappets, to increase durability the crank was fitted with five main bearings. Unlike the carburettor fed XR3, the XR3i had the Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection installed to the CVH engine; to provide adequate fuel to the system a high pressure feed pump was installed. Maintaining pressure in the system was taken care of by the addition of an accumulator pump, stronger pipe-work was installed to withstand the higher internal pressures inherent within a fuel injected application. A return pipe was fitted to take the excess fuel back to the new, larger petrol tank. Further revisions to the engine included a new cast aluminium inlet manifold and revised cast iron exhaust manifold with larger diameter tracts.
XR3i 1.6 CVH
The engine modifications upped the power output to 105bhp @ 6,000rpm and 102 lb/ft @ 4,000 rpm, up from the 96bhp @ 6,000 rpm and 98 lb/ft @ 4,000 rpm that was created by the XR3. The new engine powered the car to a top speed of 118 Mph with the 0-60 sprint being achieved in 9.0 secs.
A five speed gearbox was taken from the XR3 albeit with revised lower gearing in conjunction with a relatively low 4.29:1 differential ratio, the same as used in the Escort vans of the time although the gears were up-rated somewhat to cope with the additional power.
The front suspension fitted to the XR3i utilised MacPherson struts with coil springs with integral Girling gas dampers, the thickness of the anti roll bar was increased by 2mm to 24mm compared to the XR3, the ride height was lowered slightly. The independent rear suspension was fitted with softer coil springs and transverse pivoting arms, Girling gas filled dampers were fitted. No anti roll bar was fitted at the rear of the car. The XR3i featured slightly repositioned mountings at the lower ends of the suspension struts.
Escort XR3i rear shot
Further revisions continued throughout the car, an oil cooler and electronic ignition being standard fit, the battery and alternator was also upgraded for the XR3i. Externally the car was very similar to the XR3 being fitted with a deep front air dam, body coloured bumpers, rubberised tailgate mounted rear spoiler and aerodynamic air deflectors for all wheels.
The brake system was revised slightly from the XR3, fitted with 9.8” ventilated front discs and 8.0” rear drums (up from the 7.0” drums fitted to the XR3). The system was diagonally split with dual circuits and vacuum servo assistance. 6” x 14” steel wheels were fitted to early cars or cast aluminium alloy 5.5” x 14” wheels with a four large circular design better known as the clover leaf design shod with 185/60 tyres, later cars were fitted with spoked alloy wheels.
Early models were fitted with a soft feel twin spoke steering wheel; this was replaced with a three spoke wheel released for cars manufactured after December 1982. The seats were trimmed in a new Monza velour trim replacing the old Laser trim from the XR3. Standard fit to the car was a rev counter, digital clock and Ford push button radio system. The options list included alloy wheels, stereo radio cassette system, opening rear quarter windows, tilt and slide sunroof, electric windows, central locking, tinted glass, driving lamps and headlamp washers.
XR3i Interior
Minor revisions were made to the car during its production lifecycle; in May 1983 the car received suspension modifications and revised body shell mountings. Post September 1984 60/40 split folding rear seats were introduced increasing the models practicality. The car received a revised body style in 1986 with a new bonnet, colour coded grille and new bumpers with red plastic insert. Flush fitting headlamps were installed along with wheel arch liners. Standard fit items now included rear wash and wipe system, a rear window mounted aerial, high security locks, tinted glass and spoked alloy wheels, the sunroof did not become standard fit until 1988.
Change continued in 1988 with revised bumpers, grilled and badging, at this point electric front windows became standard. The final changes were made in September of 1989 with body coloured bumpers being fitted, new wheels and revised rear spoiler, the interior received a larger centre console and an intermittent wash wipe facility was installed. The engine now produced a slightly higher 108bhp.
The car continued in production through until September 1990 when the XR3i was discontinued.
The Facts
Engine: |
Ford CVH In-Line 4 |
|---|---|
Capacity: |
1,596cc |
Valves: |
8 |
Compression Ratio: |
9.5:1 |
Fuel System: |
Bosch K-Jetronic Fuel Injection |
Maximum Power: |
105bhp @ 6,000 rpm. |
Maximum Torque: |
102lb/ft @ 4,000 rpm. |
Transmission: |
Manual 5 speed. |
Top Gear: |
20.29mph per 1000 rpm. |
Brakes: |
Servo Assisted ventilated front discs / rear drums |
Kerb Weight: |
960 Kg |
Max Speed: |
118 Mph |
0-60: |
9.0 Secs |
